Keseberg: Progressive policies ruined Detroit

Wednesday

Jul 31, 2013 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2013 at 4:58 AM

When Robert Reich describes how the poor have been left behind in Detroit (“The social contract is broken,” July 28), he failed to mention that Democrats have controlled Detroit for 50 years. Their policies of increasing taxes on the wealthy to pay for high salaries and nice benefits for public employees helped lead to flight from Detroit.

Progressive policies ruined Detroit

When Robert Reich describes how the poor have been left behind in Detroit (“The social contract is broken,” July 28), he failed to mention that Democrats have controlled Detroit for 50 years. Their policies of increasing taxes on the wealthy to pay for high salaries and nice benefits for public employees helped lead to flight from Detroit. City officials have been convicted of stealing millions. Real estate taxes are extremely high but many don't pay them because there are no services. Large businesses left for right to work states where union regulations aren't so burdensome. Small businesses left because the city almost always granted unemployment claims for fired workers leading to high costs. The EPA even helped by making properties that had been used in manufacturing worthless.

Hmm, I hope the U.S. doesn't go the way of Detroit. So, Mr. Reich, please do not tell us we need more progressive policies and programs when those are what made Detroit what is is now. And please tell the whole truth but I'm sure your liberal progressive agenda makes that impossible.

WAYNE KESEBERG

Sudbury

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.